Self love pathway - Series Pt5: Forget what you know about self care

“The greatest harm I've ever done to other people was through me not knowing how to take care of myself.” - unknown.

Let that sink in for a moment…

Self care these days is mostly thrown around as a cutesy #selfcaresunday idea that includes activities like bubble baths with candles, trendy skincare routines and doing your nails. Sometimes, these things can feel good to do and i’m not saying that meditation, meal prep, reading a book or going for a walk isnt taking care of yourself in some way, but i just want you to forget what you know about self care for just a few mins while we look at what it means on a deeper level... 

The real self care is in becoming aware of your own harmful behaviours, so that you can learn a new way that is helpful to yourself and others. 

Self care is healing your emotional pain and learning emotional regulation techniques.

By continuing to blame others, be the victim, manipulate, cheat or lie; these wounds that you don't take care of,  begin to bleed into your relationships, your workplace & your home space. 

Self care is discovering your own needs, learning how to communicate those needs without expecting that the other person is going to meet them for you. 

Self care is becoming a safe person for yourself and for others.

Self care is financial, spiritual, mental, emotional and physical care of yourself.  This includes taking care of your future self in these ways too - for example, workout and eat for your old lady body, do some type of therapy or mindset work, look at your finances and learn how you can optimise your retirement plan, heal emotionally to take care of your relationships with your children. 

By not knowing how to care for yourself properly, you can do irreparable damage to yourself and others. By not prioritising yourself and letting self care fall by the wayside when you get “busy”, you are telling yourself you are not worth it. 

Understandably, we cannot do ALL the things all the time.. But the intention and consistent action towards these, no matter how big or small, is what matters. Prioritising your health, your own wellbeing, MATTERS. 

What does self care mean to you? 

Final part coming up - self trust